M2 Antenna RC2800PXAZ Rotator Controllers User Manual
- June 13, 2024
- M2 Antenna
Table of Contents
- SPECIFICATIONS
- FEATURES
- FRONT PANEL CONTROL OVERVI EW
- REAR PANEL OVERVI EW
- 1| MOTOR +27VDC (CCW)| BLACK| 16 AWG
- 2| MOTOR +27VDC (CW)| WHITE| 16 AWG
- 3| (NOT USED)| |
- 4| (NOT USED)| |
- 5| REED SWITCH DC +| ORANGE| 24 AWG
- 6| REED SWITCH RETURN| BLUE| 24 AWG
- BASI C OPERATI ONS / RUN MODE DESCRI PTI ONS
- PROGRAM MODE DEFI NI TI ONS AND EXPLANTI ONS
- AZI MUTH SYSTEM CONFI GURATI ON ( OR2800PX)
- CONNECTI ONS AND START UP
- 1| MOTOR +27VDC (CCW)| BLACK| 16 AWG
- 2| MOTOR +27VDC (CW)| WHITE| 16 AWG
- 3| (NOT USED)| |
- 4| (NOT USED)| |
- 5| REED SWITCH DC +| ORANGE| 24 AWG
- 6| REED SWITCH RETURN| BLUE| 24 AWG
- ADVANCED OPERATI ONS / COMPUTER CONTROL
- ADVANCED OPERATI ONS / SOFTWARE COMMANDS
- TROUBLESHOOTI NG
- RC2800PXAZ CONTROL UNIT WIRING
- RC2800PXAZ POWER CONDITIONING SCHEMATIC
- POSITIONER LIST TO BE USED WITH RC2800PXAZ
- RC2800PXAZ CONTROLLER PACKI NG
- 12 MONTH LI MI TED WARRANTY
- Documents / Resources
M2 Antenna Systems, I nc. Model No: RC2800PXAZ
C ontroller Overview
Basic Operations
Advanced Operations
Trouble Shooting
SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL NUMBER …………………………………………………… RC2800PXAZ
POWER REQUIREMENTS. ……………………………………… 88 ~ 264 VAC 10A
ENCLOSURE SIZE …………………………………………………. W=8.5” / H=5.5” / D=9”
COLOR ………………………………………………………………….. Gray Powder Coat
POINTING ACCURACY …………………………………………… >0.1°
READOUT ACCURACY …………………………………………… >0.5°
MINIMUM COMMANDED MOTION …………………………… >1.0°
DIGIT SIZE …………………………………………………………….. 0.5” Heading / .375” Mode / Speed
CONTROL SWITCHES ……………………………………………. Tactile 0.5” Diameter
MICROPROCESSOR TYPE …………………………………….. “Microchip” PIC16F876/20-SP
CONTROLS ……………………………………………………………. Power Switch, ON / OFF
…………………………………………………………… Speed Buttons, Increments 1-9
…………………………………………………………… Clockwise & Counterclockwise Buttons
…………………………………………………………… Up & Down Mode Buttons
MODES …………………………………………………………………. (3) Operational / Run Modes and 17 Programs
STANDARD OUTPUT VOLTAGE ……………………………… 27VDC @ 3.2A
COMPUTER INTERFACE ………………………………………… RS232 Port
FEATURES
The M2 RC2800PXAZ is our Economy Grade single axis controller. The RC2800PXAZ
was developed for the M2 Azimuth Motor Model (OR2800PX) and our “Commercial
Grade” AZ/EL Pedestal Models (AE1000) & (AE1000CB).
The M2 RC2800PXAZ uses a Microchip PIC16F876/20-SP for Micro processing user
commands, M2 software and EEprom for memory. User modes include: (3)
Operational / Run Modes and (17) configurable modes including (10)
programmable presets.
New switching power supply allow operation from 86 ~ 264VAC input.
The M2 RC2800PXAZ uses PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for speed control,
allowing for full torque at the slowest input speed. Location heading from the
motor assembly is supplied via an Open Loop Circuit to the controllers’
microprocessor.
Many off the shelf software packages are available that support the M2
Software Protocol, including Ham Radio Deluxe, SATPC 32 and NOVA for window.
Computer interface to the RC2800PXAZ is via RS232.
M2 Antenna Systems, Inc. 4402 N. Selland Ave. Fresno, CA 93722
Tel: 559-432-8873 Fax:
559-432-3059
Web: www.m2inc.com
©2015 M2 Antenna Systems Incoporated
FRONT PANEL CONTROL OVERVI EW
ON/OFF (POWER):
This button controls AC power to the control unit.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR DIGITAL DISPLAY: DISPLAY EXPLANATION:
In Mode “0” and “1” the first digit is the Mode # and the second digit is
Speed (Figure 1). The third digit in the display in Mode “0” and “1”, is the
Info Digit. This is primarly used when approaching a limit “L” or a “-”
indicating below zero in Elevation. (Figure 1).
In Mode “2” the first and second digit become your preset numbers from 20-29
(Figure 2).
In “PO Cal” Mode the first two digits indicate the Mode #. The fourth digit or
Info Digit indicates CCW/DWN Segments in auto travel and digits 5,6 and 7
indicate the “Cal” function (Figure 3).
MODE BUTTONS:
The MODE buttons are used to cycle through and select among (3) operational or
RUN modes, 17 PROGRAM modes and 10 PRESETS. See RUN MODES and PROGRAM MODE
details following this section.
SPEED BUTTONS:
The SPEED buttons control the positioner’s rate of speed in relative
increments. “1” is the slowest speed, “9” is the fastest. The top button
increases the speed, the lower button decreases the speed. The lowest speed
available DEFAULTS to “1”, but can be set to any number between “1” and “9”.
Speeds can be altered for travel in any of the run modes.
CONTROL BUTTONS:
The “CW” and “CCW” or “UP” or “DOWN” buttons, activate the positioners’
direction in MODE “0”, MODE “1” and MODE “2”. These buttons are also used for
“CAL” or “Auto Cal.”
REAR PANEL OVERVI EW
“AC IN”
The supplied (3) prong AC cord plugs into this socket. Connect to a reliable
115 or 230 VAC source. The Main AC input has been designed to filter slight
changes to incoming AC.
“VAC” SELECT
The voltage selection switch is no longer used on this model. We have upgraded
from a transformer to a switching power supply that operates from 86 ~ 264VAC.
“FUSE”
The “Motor Protection” fuse provides electrical protection to the positioner.
Replace this fuse with a 125VAC 3A fuse.
“RS232” INTERFACE PORT
This is a standard (9) pin female (DB9) connector for linking to a computer
for automated control. Do not use a null modem cable for this application.
TERMINAL STRIP
The (6) position terminal strip, serves as your multi-conductor cable
interface to the positioner unit. The cable supplies power and data from the
positioner. A ground stud is provided at the right end of the terminal for
shielded cables. DISCONNECT THE AC POWER CORD WHEN CONNECTING CABLE LEADS.
((6) POSITION TERMINAL STRIP ASSIGNMENTS
TERMINAL NUMBER
| FUNCTION| SUGGESTED COLOR|
MINIMUM WIRE GAUGE
---|---|---|---
1| MOTOR +27VDC (CCW)| BLACK| 16 AWG
2| MOTOR +27VDC (CW)| WHITE| 16 AWG
3| (NOT USED)| |
4| (NOT USED)| |
5| REED SWITCH DC +| ORANGE| 24 AWG
6| REED SWITCH RETURN| BLUE| 24 AWG
GROUND STUD| CASE GROUND| BARE| NA
WIRING AND INSTALLATION HINTS:
Poor quality wiring or cable and wiring errors are the major cause of
operational failure. Occasionally this even causes positioner or control box
failure. For short runs of 100 feet or less, the wire sizes above are
adequate. For runs over 100 feet, we suggest a multi conductor cable
manufactured for our Azimuth and Elevation systems called RCS-1812. This is a
4 conductor cable with (2) 14 gauge wires for motor leads, (2) 22 gauge
shielded lines for reed switch lines and a single drain wire for grounding.
BASI C OPERATI ONS / RUN MODE DESCRI PTI ONS
RUN MODES:
Modes 0, 1 and 2 are all run modes capable of activating the positioner in
both the CCW / DWN and CW / UP direction.
MODE 0 = MANUAL OPERATION MODE:
Pushing the CCW button activates the positioner in the Counter Clockwise
direction, and the Heading count will go down. Pushing the CW button activates
the positioner in the Clockwise direction, and the Heading count will go up.
Pressing the UP button activates a specific positioner in the Upward direction
and the Heading count will go up. Pressing the DWN button activates the
positioner in the Downward direction and the Heading count will go down. The
positioner runs while CCW / DWN or CW / UP button is depressed, ramping up
from minimum programmed speed to the maximum (9) and then again ramping down
to speed (1). When reversing direction, there is a 2-3 second delay before the
positioner is activated. This delay reduces stress on your antenna and
positioner.
NOTE: Rotation direction, i.e., CCW / DWN or CW / UP is defined as if you
are looking down on the positioner / antenna from above. There is NO automatic
speed ramp down when operating in Mode 0 except as you approach a limit. Small
movements of positioner may not allow full speed to be reached.
MODE 1 = COMPUTER CONTROL OR MANUAL PRESET MODE:
Computer control or Manual preset mode. When computer control is activated, a
“1” automatically appears in the MODE # location on the display. Manually the
CW / UP and CCW / DOWN buttons can be used to select a heading on display from
the full range of rotation. After the button is released, there is a short
delay before the positioner activation allowing time to adjust or “bump” your
selection. As the positioner begins to run, the speed ramps up from the
minimum programmed speed to the maximum. As the target heading is approached,
the speed ramps down to stop. The positioner may then “bump” several times
until within .5 degrees of preset. To STOP or cancel a preset any time, touch
either mode button.
MODE 2 = PROGRAMMABLE PRESET MODE:
Press the CW / UP and CCW / DOWN buttons to cycle through 10 preset headings
you program in Modes 20-29. Heading selections are shown on the display. After
a short pause, allowing you to confirm your selection, the positioner will
proceed to the displayed heading in the same manner as MODE #1. Typically,
these presets are programmed for frequently used headings and or stow
positions for parking or extreme weather. To stop or cancel a preset in mid
travel, touch either mode button.
PROGRAM MODE DEFI NI TI ONS AND EXPLANTI ONS
PROGRAM MODES:
Modes P1-P6 are Program modes that permit entering, changing, or reviewing
programmed system parameters. Program modes P20 through P29 are reserved for
10 preset headings.
USING PROGRAMMABLE MODES:
Press and hold the upper mode button for 3 seconds. The display will change to
mode P20. P20 is the first of your 10 PRESET headings. Press the lower mode
button each time to scroll through modes P6, P5, P4, P3, P2, P1, AND PO CAL.
Now press the upper mode button each time to scroll back up through the
program modes. The display will show current mode setting. The Factory
Defaults are listed below. Most of the time these will never be changed. To
program or change any setting, depress the CW / UP or CCW / DOWN buttons until
the desired setting is displayed. Change anything or everything in the program
mode except P6 and save just once. Note: During programming, the numbers
change slowly at first then speed up. Releasing the button and pressing it
again resets the process of slow to fast number change.
PROGRAM P6:
Used to correct your heading of the antenna or array when the unit was not
setup up correctly during installation or if your mast has slipped in high
wind. To change to a new heading, press the CCW / UP or CW / DOWN button until
the desired corrected heading is achieved. Press and hold the lower button for
3 seconds to save. Your new heading will appear in Mode 0. Note: The use of
this mode can cause loss of over travel.
PROGRAM P5:
Speed / Ramp function. The number (1) is the minimum Speed and Ramp setting.
The number (1) gives you full speed and ramp control. Note: When trouble
shooting a faulty operation, to get good motor voltage and reed switch
readings, it is helpful to temporarily set the speed to (9). This eliminates
motor pulses and give a steady DC reading for your DVM.
PROGRAM P4:
The Pulse Divide Ratio is the number of pulses used for the gear ratio of a
given positioner. Use the Pulse Divide Ratio chart below for the correct
number for your positioner. Note: In most cases the Pulse Divide Ratio will be
pre-determined from the factory based upon the positioner you have ordered.
AZIMUTH MODEL| PULSE DIVIDE RATIO| ELEVATION MODEL|
PULSE DIVIDE RATIO
---|---|---|---
OR2800PX| 3960| MT-1000A| 13200
AZ1000| 13200| EL1000| 13200
| | MT-3000A| 37500
PROGRAM P3:
Positioner Orientation Type. This Azimuth configuration determines the
positioners’ spectrum or travel of use. A “North” stop configuration would be
used when 360° of travel is necessary with primarily a southern exposure is
needed. A “South” stop configuration would be used when 360° of travel is
necessary with a primarily a northern exposure is needed. Note: In most cases
the positioner orientation type will be set to “North” stop from the factory.
More detailed information can be found in the System Configuration section of
this manual.
PROGRAM P2:
The (Upper or UP) electronic limit for Elevation. The CW (Clockwise) Limit for
Azimuth. In most cases these limits will be preset from the factory. More
detailed information can be found in the System Configuration section of this
manual.=
PROGRAM P1:
The (Lower or DOWN) electronic limit for Elevation. The CCW (Counter
Clockwise) Limit for Azimuth. Limit for Azimuth. In most cases these limits
will be preset from the factory. More detailed information can be found in the
System Configuration section of this manual.
PROGRAM PO CAL:
Automatic Calibration of your positioner when physical limits are installed.
To start the automatic calibration process, press and hold the upper mode
button for 3 seconds. Program P20 will appear as the first program mode. Now
press the lower mode button seven times until “PO Cal” appears on the display.
Press and hold the lower mode button for 3 seconds and the automatic
calibration will start by showing the small LED segments just left of the “C”
moving in the CCW direction. Once the positioner has completed its automatic
calibration it will stop and a new heading will be present on the display.
More detailed information can be found in the System Configuration section of
this manual.
PROGRAM P20-P29:
User programmable preset headings. To program your favorite headings, press
and hold the upper mode button for 3 seconds and the controller will go to
program P20. *Note: We have pre-programmed the presets at the factory. Please
see the “Factory” charge below.
EL PRESETS (FACTORY)
| |
EL PRESETS (NEW USER)
---|---|---
20| 0| | 20|
21| 10| 21|
22| 20| 22|
23| 30| 23|
24| 40| 24|
25| 50| 25|
26| 60| 26|
27| 70| 27|
28| 80| 28|
29| 90| 29|
AZ PRESETS (FACTORY)
| |
AZ PRESETS (NEW USER
---|---|---
20| 30| | 20|
21| 60| 21|
22| 90| 22|
23| 120| 23|
24| 160| 24|
25| 210| 25|
26| 255| 26|
27| 285| 27|
28| 315| 28|
29| 340| 29|
Once P20 appears, press the CCW / DOWN or CW / UP buttons until you reach the desired heading. Now press the upper mode button again and P21 will appear. Use the CCW / DOWN or CW / UP buttons until you reach the desired heading. Use the same process to program all presets. Once all of the presets are programmed, press and hold the lower mode button for 3 seconds to save.
AZI MUTH SYSTEM CONFI GURATI ON ( OR2800PX)
OR2800PX CONFIGURATION:
The RC2800PXAZ needs to be configured for a spectrum of use and position of
limits. The programmable limits in the RC2800PXAZ control, give the ability to
specific the amount of travel around a spectrum of use. The OR2800PX
positioner has physical limits CCW or CW. The limits provide physical stops
for safety due to control box failure. The CCW or CW limits also create a
reference return when using the “Auto Cal” feature during remote / computer or
manual control. Below we have provided a visual explanation of some common
azimuth configurations complete with suggested electrical and physical limits
an spectrum of use.
OR2800PX AZIMUTH OPTION #1
Characteristics: Azimuth (North
Stop)
Spectrum of use: +360°
Program P1 setting: 14.0° (CW Limit)
Program P2 setting: L14.0° (CCW Limit)
Program P3 setting: 0.00
OVERVIEW: This azimuth configuration may be used when 360° of travel is
necessary with primarily a southern exposure and avoids limits where most of
the operations are being performed. Note the position of the physical limits.
Ultimately, this provides safety when and if a control box fails.
SETUP: No setup is needed for this configuration. The RC2800PXAZ
Controller is pre-set from the factory with a (North Stop) setting. After
performing an “PO Cal” run the OR2800PX in the CW direction to 0.0° and
install the unit into your tower. Install the front of your antenna or array
facing North.
OR2800PX AZIMUTH OPTION #2
Characteristics: Azimuth
(South Stop)
Spectrum of use: +360°
Program P1 setting: L194.0° (CW Limit)
Program P2 setting: L166.0° (CCW Limit)
Program P3 setting: 180.0
OVERVIEW: This azimuth configuration may be used when 360° of travel is
necessary with primarily a northern exposure and avoids limits where most of
the operations are being performed. Note the position of the physical limits.
Ultimately, this provides safety when and if a control box fails.
SETUP: With the RC2800PXAZ controller in the (North Stop) setting,
perform the “PO Cal” function. Then run the OR2800PX in the CW direction to
0.0°. Go to Program P3 and change the setting from 0.0° to 180.0° by pressing
the CW button. Press and hold the lower mode button for 3 seconds to save. Now
install the unit into the tower. Install the front of your antenna or array
facing South.
CONNECTI ONS AND START UP
CONNECTIONS:
Once the Azimuth and Elevation units have been wired up at the positioner end,
start the process of wiring the correct color wires to the rear of the control
unit. Use the table below for proper wire color and terminal number. Each
individual (6) position terminal strip has been clearly marked to help with
proper connection points.
(6) POSITION TERMINAL STRIP ASSIGNMENTS
TERMINAL NUMBER
| FUNCTION| SUGGESTED COLOR|
MINIMUM WIRE GAUGE
---|---|---|---
1| MOTOR +27VDC (CCW)| BLACK| 16 AWG
2| MOTOR +27VDC (CW)| WHITE| 16 AWG
3| (NOT USED)| |
4| (NOT USED)| |
5| REED SWITCH DC +| ORANGE| 24 AWG
6| REED SWITCH RETURN| BLUE| 24 AWG
GROUND STUD| CASE GROUND| BARE| NA
Unwrap the AC power cord and plug it into the AC plug on the rear of the
control unit. Plug the AC cord into a reliable 115VAC or 230VAC source.
CUSTOMER NOTE AREA:
ADVANCED OPERATI ONS / COMPUTER CONTROL
CONNECTIONS TO COMPUTER:
Connect the appropriate cable from your computer to the Control Unit’s DB9
connector on the rear panel. (A standard RS232 cable is sufficient to run the
controller. Note: Do not use a Null cable.
All computers have a “Hyper Terminal” or equivalent capability for “Talking”
to the control unit. To setup the “Hyper Terminal” do the following: Click
start, programs, accessories, communications and then “Hyper Terminal.”
The next screen you will see is called “Connection Description.” It will ask
you to enter a name (IE. Positioner) and choose an icon, then click OK.
The next screen will read “Connect To.” Scroll to the last box and click on
“Connect Using.” Choose direct to Com1 (or whatever Com port you have
available) and then click OK.
Baud Rate| Bits| Stop Bits| Parity|
Handshake
---|---|---|---|---
9600| 8| 1| None| Present, not used
Click OK and your terminal is now setup and accessible from your desk top
icon.
If computer control is desired and a program like NOVA or Ham Radio Deluxe is
used, their instructions cover the interface to the RC2800PXAZ. If you are
using a program that currently does not work with RC2800PXAZ, send the author
a copy of this page and the following two pages regarding writing software.
HYPER TERMINAL OPERATION: A. Commands in upper or lower case are acceptable.
B. All commands are followed by an Enter (carriage return / cr). C. Remote
operation (Mode 1) is initiated automatically from the terminal. Once the
terminal is attached to the RC2800PXAZ, turn on the RC2800PXAZ. If it has been
turned on before, turn it off. Wait 5 seconds and turn it back on. The “Hyper
Terminal” will display the following:
*M2AZEL 2.4.5 AZ (KO6YD) A=180.00 S=9 S*
The 2.4.5 is the version of software and (KO6YD) is the author. A= Azimuth
Heading S=Speed S=Stopped
M2AZEL 2.4.2 EL (KO6YD) E=45.0 S=9 S**
The 2.4.2 is the version of software and (KO6YD) is the author. E= Elevation
Heading S=Speed S=Stopped
D. To move to a new heading in Elevation, say 90°, type E90 and press the
“Enter” key. To move to a new heading in Azimuth, say 180°, type A180 and
press the “Enter” key. Note: In “Hyper Terminal” you must give the “E” or “A”
command before the heading. The “Hyper Terminal” will display as:
E=65.0 S=1 M (“M” indicates positioner movement)
E=70.0 S=3 M
E=75.0 S=5 M
E=80.0 S=7 M
E=85.0 S=9 M
E=90.0 S=9 S (“S” indicates positioner stop)| A=155.0 S=1 M (“M” indicates
positioner movement)
A=160.0 S=3 M
A=165.0 S=5 M
A=170.0 S=7 M
A=175.0 S=9 M
A=180.0 S=9 S (“S” indicates positioner stop)
---|---
If you turn the RC2800PRKX off, the last message would be: A=180.0 / E=90.0 ERR=05. The error code ERR=05 means that the unit has saved all volatile data and is experiencing a “Low 12 volts.” Other ERR messages can be found in the “Software Programming” section of this manual.
ADVANCED OPERATI ONS / SOFTWARE COMMANDS
SUMMARY OF CONTROLLER COMMANDS FOR USER INTERFACE:
Typed commands in lower or upper case, cr = Enter or carriage return, + = real
number including tenths.
Function | Command | Description |
---|---|---|
Select: | A or E (cr) | Where A=Azimuth, E=Elevation |
Speed: | S# (cr) | Where S=1 (minimum speed) through 9 (maximum) |
Go To: | # (cr) | Where # = A number within your programmed parameters. Numbers |
less
| | Than 1.0 must be preceded by a 0.#, (0.3)
Increment:| + (cr)| Where + = bump + approximately .5°
Decrement:| – (cr)| Where – = bump – approximately .5°
Stop| S (cr)| Where S = Stop Movement
Update| (cr)| Where (cr) gives one line of Position, Speed and Movement Status
Calibrate| CAL (cr)| Where “Cal” starts the positioner moving slowly in the
CCW direction to
| | The physical limit switch in the positioner and then resets to L346.0
HOW THE COMMANDS WORK:
The RC2800PXAZ is always in a continuous updated mode.
E=45 S=5 M
A=180 S=5 M
Selected Controller (E or A) heading and other status is continually streaming
down the “Hyper Terminal” screen while the positioner is moving. Once (E)
Elevation or (A) Azimuth is selected, the (E or A) command is no longer
needed. All commands that follow will affect only the selected positioner.
ELEVATION OR AZIMUTH CONTROL:
Type one of the commands below and follow with an “Enter” (cr):
For Elevation, type the letter (E)
For Azimuth, type the letter (A)
Once Elevation or Azimuth is selected, the (E or A) command is no longer
needed. All commands that follow will affect only the selected positioner.
INCREASE OR DECREASE SPEED:
(Assumes E or A has been entered) Type the command and follow with an “Enter”
(cr). Speed changes may be entered while the positioner is moving or stopped.
For Minimum speed, type (S1)
For Maximum speed, type (S9)
Commands S1 through S9 are available. For instance, (S4) will set speed to 40%
of maximum. The positioner will return a confirmation with “S=4” and update at
the time of command.
RETURNED VALUES:
All strings, including updates and error conditions returned to the terminal
by the controller are followed by a line feed (OA) and a (cr) (OD). No echoes
are returned.
ERROR CODES:
There are a number of error conditions returned by the controller to the
terminal as shown below:
ERR=03:
“Unexpected Character” returned when the received command is unknown.
ERR=04:
“Unexpected Byte” returned when the number of bytes received exceeds the
buffer space.
ERR=05:
“Low 12 volts” returned when the controller has detected a low 12 volt
condition and has saved the current position and speed in a non-volatile
memory.
If the positioner was moving when this condition occurred, pulses could be
lost causing a slight error in the saved position.
TROUBLESHOOTI NG
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE:
**PROBLEM:| POSSIBLE CAUSE:**|
SOLUTION:
---|---|---
When pressing the (CCW/DWN) or (CW/UP) button the positioner runs just for a
second and then stops and “E1” appears in the mode column of the display.| The
protective MOV (metal oxide varistor) inside the control unit may be leaky or
shorted.| With the Control Unit in the off position, remove the pulse wires
from terminal 5 & 6 from the back of the control unit. Using a digital volt
meter set at Ohms reading, check the resistance. If the resistance is less
than 5000 Ohms, this means the MOV across terminals 5 & 6 inside the control
unit is leaky or shorted. Call the factory for a replacement part.
When pressing the (CCW/DWN) or (CW/UP) button the positioner runs just for a
second and then stops and “E1” appears in the mode column of the display.| The
positioner is not returning pulses to the RC2800PXAZ Control Unit.| With the
Control Unit in the off position, remove the pulse wires from terminal 5 & 6
from the back of the control unit. Using a digital volt meter set at VDC
reading, measure the voltage that is present between terminal 5 & 6 for about
1 second while commanding the control unit to move in either (CCW/DWN) or
(CW/UP) direction.
11.3 VDC should be present across terminals 5 & 6. If the 11.3 VDC is not present, move to the next column below for further testing.
When pressing the (CCW/DWN) or (CW/UP) button the positioner runs just for a
second and then stops and “E1” appears in the mode column of the display.|
Faulty reed switch in positioner. Control cable damage or issues.| With the
Control Unit in the off position, connect a digital volt meter set at Ohms
reading, attach the leads to the two reed switch leads coming from the
positioner. Two states can exist. The reading will either be a total open of
10 Meg Ohms or more OR a total short measuring only the resistance of the
wires running to the positioner. With the meter leads still connected and
measur- ing Ohms, turn on the control unit and press the (CCW/DWN) or (CW/UP)
and make the positioner move. Watch the meter to see the state of the reed
switch. Each motor revolution will open and close the reed switch two times so
you should see the meter change from open to close. This may take a few tries
as the reed switch is open about 60% of the time. If you see no change of
state, you either are not on the reed switch wires or there is a break in the
wires between the positioner and the control unit or you have a faulty reed
switch. Most of the time this problem is due to a wiring or connection
problem. Use common sense when troubleshooting your wiring. If you have
determined that the reed switch in the positioner is faulty, please
contact M2 Antenna Systems, Inc. at
559-432-8873 for a return authorization
to have your positioner tested and repaired.
Positioner runs immediately after the control Unit is turned on or the
positioner runs by itself when pressing the (CCW/DWN) or (CW/UP) button.| One
of the motor leads on terminals #1 or #2
is grounded. | With the Control Unit in the off position, remove the motor
wire from terminal #1 from the back of the control unit. Using a digital volt
meter set at Ohms reading, test the motor wire to ground. If one of your motor
wires is grounded, it completes the path to one side of the power supply. Now
remove the wire from terminal #2 from the back of the control unit and test it
against ground. The microprocessor normally turns on the motor drive chip and
then turns on the hexfet and pulls the hexfet to ground and powers the
positioner. Now using a digital volt meter set at VDC, test between terminals
1 & 2 on the back of the control unit. If 26-27VDC is present, then either a
motor lead is shorted to ground or there is a faulty hexfet on the pc board
assembly. Move to the next step to test the hexfet.
Positioner runs immediately after the control Unit is turned on or the
positioner runs byitself when pressing the (CCW/DWN) or (CW/UP) button.|
Faulty hexfet on pc board assembly.| With the Control Unit in the off position
and unplugged, remove the (8) Phillips head screws from the top of the control
unit.
Remove the control unit lid. With the front of the control unit facing towards
you, look at the second component from the right that is attached to the large
aluminum heat sink. Using a digital volt meter set at Ohms reading, test
between the two outside legs of the device. If the two outside legs are
shorted, the hexfet is faulty. Call M2 Antenna Systems, Inc. at
559-432-8873 for a return authorization
to have your control unit tested and repaired.
Positioner operates but readout is erratic or consistently reads higher or
lower than where antenna or array is actually pointing.| Control cable damage
or issues.| Long runs of cable that have a cut in the jacket can fill with
water and significantly increase the inter-wire capacity. This can
allow motor spikes to be picked up by the pulse (reed switch lines) and add
extra pulses to the count. It can also cause such
distortion of the square wave from the reed switch, that the microprocessor
cannot read the actual pulse count. Replace the cable or run a separate RG-58U
or equivalent line for the reed switch lines. This is not usually an
indication that the reed switch itself is faulty. Do not remove the positioner
until you are absolutely sure the problem is the positioner.
RC2800PXAZ CONTROL UNIT WIRING
RC2800PXAZ POWER CONDITIONING SCHEMATIC
POSITIONER LIST TO BE USED WITH RC2800PXAZ
OR2800PX Azimuth Positioner
M2 Antenna Systems, Inc.
Model No: RCS-1812
SPECIFICATIONS:
Model ……………………………. RCS-1812
Conductors ……………………… 2 ea 18 AWG (16/30 t.c.)
……………………………………… (Foil shield w/18 AWG drain)
……………………………………… 2 ea 12 AWG (65/30 t.c.)
Jacket …………………………….. .035” black polyethylene
UV Resistant …………………… Yes
Weather Resistant …………… Yes
Direct Bury ……………………… Yes
RoHS Compliant ……………… Yes (2011/65/EU)
DC Resistance (18 AWG) …. 22.3 Ω/kFT nom @ 20C
DC Resistance (12 AWG) …. 5.58 Ω/kFT max @ 20C
Capacitance (18 AWG Pr) … 39 pF/FT cond-cond
……………………………………… 73 pF/FT cond-shield
Voltage Rating ………………… 600 V max
Cable OD ……………………….. .375” (9.5 mm)
Bend Radius (Rep. Flex) ….. 15x Cable OD
Bend Radius (Static) ………… 8x Cable OD
Weight ……………………………. 85.8 lbs/kFT (39 kg/306 m)
FEATURES:
Our RCS-1812 Rotator Cable is custom manufactured in the USA to our demanding
specifications. This rugged yet lightweight cable is perfect for our OR-2800PX
and MT-1000A and MT-3000A rotators or any other rotator using two-wire DC
drive and pulse position feedback.
Featuring a direct-bury capable, UV resistant polyethylene jacket, it is the
only rotator cable you will need. Two 12 AWG unshielded wires provide low
resistance conductors for driving the motor, while a twisted pair of 18 AWG
wires are encased in a foil shield, complete with a tinned copper 18 AWG drain
to ensure that your pulse position information makes it to the shack reliably.
RC2800PXAZ CONTROLLER PACKI NG
DESCRIPTION …………………………………………..QTY
RC2800PXAZ, AZIMUTH CONTROL UNIT……………………..1
POWER CORD, 120VAC 10A X 6′ ………………………………… 1
Carefully Manufactured by:
M2 ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC.
4402 N. SELLAND AVE. FRESNO, CA 93722
559-432-8873 FAX: 432-3059
www.m2inc.com
Email: sales@m2inc.com
12 MONTH LI MI TED WARRANTY
RC2800PXAZ
RS232 CONTROLLER
This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights
which will vary from state to state or province to province.
M2 warrants the RC2800PXAZ Control unit against defects in material and
workmanship for a period of 12 months from date of purchase. During the
warranty period, M2 will, at its option, either repair or replace products or
components which prove to be defective. The warranty shall not apply to
defects or damage resulting from:
- Improper or inadequate maintenance by user
- Improperly prepared installation site
- Unauthorized modifications or misuse
- Accident, abuse, or misapplication
- Normal wear
M2 specifically does not warrant this product for any direct, indirect,
consequential, or incidental damages arising form the use or inability to use
the product. Some state or provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation
of liability for consequential or incidental damages so the above limitation
may not apply.
In the event repair or replacement are necessary, purchaser shall contact M2
for return authorization. In many cases this contact can simplify and expedite
the repair / replacement process and help reduce costs and downtime.
The purchaser shall be responsible for packing the product properly for return
and for charges to ship the product to M2. Always include with the shipment, a
statement detailing the problem / failure and any other pertinent
observations. Insuring the product for shipment is recommended. Use the
original packing materials whenever possible. M2 is responsible for charges
(in the United States) to return the repaired / replacement product only where
warranty service is involved.
M2 ANTENNA SYSTEMS, INC. 4402 M.
SELLAND AVE FRESNO, CA 93722
Documents / Resources
| M2
Antenna RC2800PXAZ Rotator
Controllers
[pdf] User Manual
RC2800PXAZ Rotator Controllers, RC2800PXAZ, Rotator Controllers, Controllers
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